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Send us a textEpisode 201 - History Repeats with Liam Carballal and Rich Acritelli (Part 2)In this episode of History Repeats, host Liam Carballal welcomes back Rich Acritelli for a deep dive into the personal narratives that shaped history. They explore the life of Billy Joel, examining how his Jewish heritage and family history—particularly the impact of the Holocaust—inform his music and identity as a quintessential post-World War II figure.Rich shares insights from his recent article on Joel, discussing the social dynamics of Long Island and the communities built in the aftermath of the war through the GI Bill. The conversation also touches on the broader themes of reintegration for veterans, the lasting effects of historical trauma, and the complex legacy of Truman's presidency, including the establishment of Israel.Join us as we uncover the intertwining stories of individuals and the larger historical forces at play, revealing how personal experiences continue to shape our world today. Tune in for an engaging discussion that highlights the human side of history!Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 200 – The Endgame in the Pacific: Truman’s Decision and Japan’s Surrender In this milestone episode of History Repeats, host Liam Carballal welcomes historian Richard Acritelli for a deep dive into the final chapter of World War II in the Pacific. With the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as the backdrop, the conversation explores President Truman’s momentous decision to use the atomic bomb, the staggering casualty estimates for a planned invasion, and the fierce Japanese resistance that persisted even after catastrophic losses.From the behind-the-scenes political maneuvering at Potsdam to Stalin’s ambitions in the Far East, from the bushido code’s influence on Japan’s military leadership to the near-deployment of a third bomb, this episode examines the moral, military, and geopolitical stakes of ending the war. Along the way, Rich and Liam unpack the human cost, the shadow of the Cold War, and the enduring lessons of one of history’s most consequential decisions.If you think WWII ended neatly after VE Day, think again. This is the story of how it really concluded — and the razor’s edge on which peace was decided.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 199 – Many Voices, One Community Guest: Sheryl Goodine | Host: Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews | hmTv – Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance CenterIn this powerful and heartfelt episode, Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews sits down with community leader and activist Sheryl Goodine to explore the legacy of her late father, a driving force behind civil rights progress in Glen Cove. From the city’s longest-running Martin Luther King Jr. celebration to the desegregation of local schools, Sheryl shares personal stories of courage, sacrifice, and the fight for equality. The conversation weaves together history, faith, and present-day challenges—highlighting the ongoing importance of standing up for justice, building unity across communities, and carrying forward the work of those who came before us.A moving reminder that true legacy is lived every day.Support the show

Send us a textEp. 198: Many Voices, One Community with Dr. Jeremy TigermanIn this inspiring episode of Many Voices, One Community, host Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews sits down with Dr. Jeremy Tiegerman, COO of the Tigerman School, to explore a remarkable family legacy of education, advocacy, and empowerment. Founded by his mother in 1985, the school began as a preschool for speech- and language-impaired children and has grown into a multi-location, full life-cycle agency serving students from preschool through adulthood across Long Island and New York City.Dr. Tigerman shares his personal journey — from running around the halls as a child while his mother worked, to becoming a school psychologist, principal, and now COO — and how his family’s deep commitment to education shaped his career. The conversation covers the school’s unique language immersion model, exceptionally low student–teacher ratios, and the individualized support that transforms challenges into strengths.With heartwarming success stories, including graduates who have gone on to higher education and thriving careers, this episode celebrates the power of believing in every student’s potential. It’s a testament to how one family’s vision can impact thousands of lives — and a reminder that every voice matters in building one community.Support the show

Send us a textLegacy Chronicles Ep. 197In this moving episode of Legacy Chronicles, host Zachary Graulich sits down with Holocaust survivor John Woolf to hear his extraordinary story of survival, resilience, and rediscovery. Born in Transcarpathia, Czechoslovakia, John recounts his deportation to Auschwitz, the harrowing death marches, and eventual liberation by American forces. He shares the rare and miraculous story of being reunited with both of his parents—an uncommon outcome for Holocaust survivors.John reflects on rebuilding his life in America, working as an engineer for Hughes Aircraft, and how decades later, he found himself drawn back into Holocaust education through volunteer work at a local Holocaust center in New Jersey. Now at age 96, John speaks candidly about the emotional toll of remembering, the rise of antisemitism, and the urgent need to preserve testimony for future generations.This episode is a powerful reminder of why survivor voices matter—especially now. Tune in to hear a firsthand account that is both deeply personal and historically essential.🎧 Listen now on hmTv or at hmtci.orgSupport the show

Send us a textEpisode 196: Echoes of the Past with Joe GartenIn this deeply moving episode of Echoes of the Past, host Zachary Graulich sits down with Holocaust survivor and Kindertransport refugee Joe Garten. Joe shares his remarkable journey from Nazi Germany to safety in England, and eventually to the United States. With warmth, candor, and a touch of humor, he recounts the heartbreak of separation, the kindness of strangers, and the resilience it took to rebuild a life after unimaginable loss.Listeners will hear about Joe’s childhood escape from Berlin, life with a British foster family during WWII, his postwar reunion with his parents, and how he found his voice decades later to educate young people about the Holocaust. Joe’s testimony is a testament to memory, survival, and the power of sharing our stories—especially when fewer and fewer survivors remain to tell them.This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the personal impact of history, the strength of the human spirit, and why Holocaust education remains as vital today as ever.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 195: Legacy Chronicles with Donna Rosenblum and Dr. Linda BurghardtIn this deeply personal and enlightening episode of Legacy Chronicles, host Donna Rosenblum welcomes Dr. Linda Burghardt, scholar-in-residence at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center (HMTC), for a heartfelt conversation about her identity as a second-generation Holocaust survivor. Linda shares powerful family stories of escape from Vienna, the trauma of loss and silence, and the resilience passed down through generations.The discussion explores her path from journalism to earning a PhD in Holocaust history, her unique role at HMTC, and her efforts to make Holocaust education engaging through fiction-based book clubs and creative webinars. Linda also speaks directly to other 2Gs (second-generation survivors), offering encouragement, insight, and a reminder that the past lives within us—genetically, emotionally, and spiritually.Whether you’re part of the survivor community or simply curious about how history shapes identity, this episode delivers wisdom, warmth, and a powerful call to preserve memory through connection and storytelling.Support the show

Send us a text Ep 194: Echoes of the Past with Zachary Graulich and Donna RosenblumIn this powerful episode of Echoes of the Past, host Zachary Graulich is joined by Donna Rosenblum, Director of Education at HMTC, for an in-depth discussion on the history and legacy of the Yellow Star. Together, they examine its implementation under Nazi rule, its symbolic weight, and the broader context of forced identification of Jews throughout history—from medieval Europe to the Holocaust.Through survivor testimonies, historical documentation, and personal insights, Zachary and Donna explore how the Yellow Star evolved into a tool of shame, control, and dehumanization—yet today serves as a symbol of remembrance and resilience. They also highlight acts of resistance and rescue, including the story of King Christian X of Denmark and the efforts of upstanders who refused to remain silent.This episode challenges listeners to reflect on the dangers of state-sanctioned hatred, the human capacity for courage, and the moral responsibility to stand up against injustice.For more episodes, visit hmtcli.org.Support the show

Send us a textEpisode 193: “Life Talks: Its Different Walks” with Fred Nielsen, Yuri Komoto-Weber & Kuga RexIn this heart-stirring episode of Life Talks: Its Different Walks, host Fred Nielsen, USMC Major (Ret.), sits down with Yuri Komoto-Weber—a devoted single mother of five—and her son, Kuga Rex, a national karate champion with a mission far beyond medals.Yuri shares her powerful parenting journey, raising a household of remarkable kids, including Kuga, whose passion for karate started at age nine and has since led him to national acclaim. Kuga then joins the conversation to reflect on his growth in martial arts, his work honoring veterans through storytelling and ceremony, and the values that fuel his relentless spirit: resilience, humility, and purpose.From muddy obstacle courses to gold medal podiums, this episode explores what it means to raise a champion in character—not just in sport. And if you’ve ever underestimated the power of belief, grit, and a mother’s love—this one will open your eyes.Featuring: – Yuri Komoto-Weber, mother of five and model of perseverance – Kuga Rex, Team USA karate champion, veteran advocate, and rising starSupport Kuga’s journey to Paraguay and beyond on GoFundMe – search “Kuga Rex.”Only on hmTv.Support the show

Send us a textPodcast Episode 191 Description – Influential Origins with Alan Mindel and Guest Anthony Housefather (Part 1)In this engaging and wide-ranging episode of Influential Origins on hmTv, host Alan Mindel sits down with Canadian Member of Parliament Anthony Housefather for a deeply personal and political journey through identity, public service, and the power of community.From growing up in Quebec as part of the English-speaking Jewish minority to becoming mayor of Côte Saint-Luc and ultimately a federal MP, Housefather reflects on his family's long-standing roots in Canada dating back to the 19th century. He shares insights into the evolution of Jewish life in Canada, his early passion for competitive swimming, and the profound impact of language laws, cultural tension, and legislative challenges in Quebec.Listeners will hear how Housefather's early exposure to public service, legal and business leadership, and his mother's academic influence shaped a multifaceted career. With wit, clarity, and conviction, he speaks on the fight for bilingualism, religious freedom, and the nuanced struggle to protect minority rights in a changing political climate.This episode is a compelling portrait of a public servant who’s as comfortable in a courtroom as he is in the community pool — and who carries both heart and history into Parliament. Stay tuned for Part 2, where the conversation turns to today’s global challenges and their ripple effects in Canada.Support the show